OAKLEY — A 50-year-old Oakley resident who died when a boy speeding in a stolen car hit him while trying to elude police has been identified by authorities.
The vehicle trying to get away fatally hit Erwin De La Cruz died seconds after police called off the pursuit Tuesday morning. Antioch police earlier had pursued the car, which later sped down roads in Oakley at speeds up to 80 mph, police said.
“We understand there are many questions surrounding this incident,” Oakley city spokesperson Danielle Navarro said. “Pursuits are continually monitored and evaluated by officer and supervisors to determine if the pursuit should continue or not.”
The crash happened about 10:25 a.m. at Main Street and Bridgehead Road, police said. The driver and a passenger in the Honda suffered major injuries. Both the car and a gun left inside of it were reported stolen on Sunday in Oakland.
An Oakley police officer picked up the chase after Antioch police officers stopped their pursuit. Police said the Oakley pursuit went down Main Street and past nearly a half-dozen busy intersections. A sergeant called off the chase after the car turned right onto southbound O’Hara Avenue. The boy also collided with another motorist on Laurel Road.
“This case is under active investigation by three different agencies,” Navarro said. “So we can’t speak to specifics at this time.”
Oakley police, Antioch police and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office all are investigating.
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